Swine Showmanship. By: Ryan Harrell

Transcription

1 Swine Showmanship By: Ryan Harrell

2 Practice Makes Perfect The key to successful showmanship is practice at home. Be Prepared! (Both you and the pig) Study the answers to the Questions Train Your Pig At Home!

3 Good Showmen A good showman can place an average pig up a few pens higher. The showman knows how to hide the bad traits and show the good traits to the judge. Only good judges will pick up on this!

4 Hide The Faults Hide or hardly show the problems of your pig for example: Narrow based No muscle from behind Narrow chest Bad front feet

5 Show the Best Traits Keep showing the good qualities of your pig for example: The profile of your pig Width of base. Muscle shape from behind. Wide chest

6 At Home

7 When Should I Start Training Practice at least 1 month prior to the show. (or longer) Practicing too early and then stopping for a few months, will not work. Pigs require regular training.

8 Do I Practice With One Or More Pigs Sometimes starting off practicing showmanship at home, you might need to practice with more than one pig at a time. Eventually work towards individual pig showmanship practice.

9 How Often Do I Practice Practice 1-3 times a week at least 1 month prior to the show. Some people practice every day. You might be putting your pig at risk of an injury while walking. Don t exercise off too much muscle or fat.

10 How Do I Practice? Pointers: Take your pig away from their pen. (Home Base) Pigs get comfortable with their (Home Base) and pen mates. New challenges are needed to create successful showmanship pigs.

11 How Do I Build Stamina Build stamina in your pig. Some shows may take a while or have several heats of showmanship classes. You want your pig to have the stamina to last for at least 30 minutes.

12 How Do I Build Stamina Building Stamina: Starting off with 5 minutes. The next week practice for 7 minutes. The following week practice for 10 minutes. Building up to 30 minutes in one session.

13 New Locations Pointers: Drive your pig to new places while at home. New locations all the time. Walk around trees, chairs and buckets. New distances. Different lengths of time practicing.

14 Loading on Trailers Practice walking your pig on to the livestock trailer. Practice walking them into new pens.

15 Keep Them Cool and Stress Free When practicing keep your pig cool. Don t let them stress out or over heat.

16 Types of Showmanship Pigs

17 4 Types of Pigs Fence Riders Non Movers Runners Natural Showmanship Pigs Lame Animals Should Not Be Shown During Showmanship

18 Fence Riders The hardest pigs to show are fence riders. The pig only wants to walk beside the gates. A good showman will force their pig away from the fence. You must get in front of the pig and direct them a new direction.

19 Fence Riders Walk beside or in front of the pig. Use your whip, pipe, or cane to tap them away from the fence. You might need to scoop your pig away from the fence using your free hand. The area around or near the eye is very sensitive. Touch or tap this area to redirect your pig. It requires lots of practice to break pigs of the fence riding habit.

20 Non Movers Pigs that do not move are frustrating to the showman. Usually a forceful tap will make your pig move. Tapping your pig on the shoulder or near the face (eye) should direct them to move forward.

21 Runners Pigs that run in the show ring are a challenge. Practice at home training them not to run. Do not run with your pig in the show ring. Just try to keep up with them and stop or slow them down.

22 How To Stop A Running Pig You can train your pig to not run. Practice at home tapping your pig on the forehead (between the ears). Over time this becomes a command to stop running.

23 Natural Showmanship Pigs The best showmanship pigs are naturally easy going pigs. These pigs are born to show. They already have the slow pace and understand the head commands.

24 Do Not Show Lame Pigs Do Not Show Lame or Injured Pigs During Showmanship. They will not last the duration and cannot move in the directions you need them to go.

25 Show Equipment

26 Equipment Needed Small Pocket Brush Something to drive the pig. Whip with Popper Whip with Slapper Pipe Cane Water sprayer or watering can.

27 Whip with Popper The whip with popper is nice to use to keep your pigs head up. It does sting more than other show stick options. Disadvantage: Exhibitors over use this whip. Tapping the pig too much.

28 Whip with Slapper Another pig whip has the slapper on the end of it. Very similar to a horse whip but shorter. Disadvantage: The slapper can leave welts on the pig, makes load noises, and has a short handle.

29 Pipe The pipe is popular among exhibitors. Thinner or larger pipes can be used. The pipe can be utilized to show your pig without excess tapping.

30 Length Of The Pipe The length of the pipe should match the size of the showman. This exhibitor needs a shorter pipe or to move his hand farther back towards the end of the pipe.

31 Larger Pipe Verses A Thinner Pipe A thinner pipe is good to train your pig at a smaller age. It seems to get a better response than a thicker pipe. Larger pipes are better used on larger animals. Boars, Large Gilts, and Market Hogs.

32 Cane A cane can be used to show your pig. The handle should be pointer downward. Disadvantage: The cane doesn t always get a good response to keep the pig moving.

33 Have a Brush A brush should be visualized in your back pocket. The brush is needed to keep your pig clean during the show.

34 Water A person can hand off a water spray bottle to keep your pig clean or cool. Upset pigs can sometimes calm down by utilizing water. Water is used to keep your pig clean.

35 Show Attire

36 Proper Attire Wear a nice shirt either button down or polo. Long or short sleeves is acceptable. Females shouldn t show too much cleavage.

37 No Holes in Clothes Holy clothing might be fashionable but not the proper attire for showing pigs. Jeans and shirts should not have holes in them.

38 Clean Clothes Bring extra clothes in case you get dirty. Wash your pigs before the show in your nonshow clothes. Do not show in Dirty Jeans!

39 Wear A Belt Nothing is more distracting to a judge, seeing an exhibitor stop to pull up their pants while showing. Wear a belt to keep your pants up while showing.

40 Foot Wear Cowboy boots, work boots or brown shoes should be worn if possible. Tennis shoes should be avoided if possible when showing. Rubber boots should not be worn while showing.

41 No Shorts Long jeans or pants should be worn while showing pigs. Do not show pigs in shorts.

42 No Hats Hats can reduce eye contact with the judge. Do Not Wear a Hat When Showing Pigs for Showmanship!

43 Hair Out of Your Eyes The popular hair style might not be best for pig showmanship. It is hard to see eye contact with hair in your face.

44 Animal Preparation

45 Clip Your Pig Showmanship is how well you present your animal. Judging the exhibitor and condition of the animal. Clipping pigs will remove stains and make them appear better. Clipping should be done prior to the show or entry into the show.

46 Dry Skin Brick Grill bricks or charcoal bricks can be utilized to remove dry skin on your pig s hide. Once dry skin is removed: wash and oil the hide.

47 Wash Your Pig Your pig should be clean when entering the ring and stay clean during exhibition. When penned you may need to clean your animal with water and a brush.

48 Show Shines Oils, sprays, water, etc.. can be used to make your pig shine. Be sure your show rules allow oils and products to be used. No not use oils during hot weather.

49 Remove Wood Shavings or Straw Young exhibitors forget to brush off the legs, face, nose, sheath or underline of their pigs. Before entering the ring make sure all wood shavings and straw has been removed.

50 Wet Your Pig Spraying your pig with water before showing, should keep them cool and maintain a longer duration while showing.

51 Full Feed and Water Make sure your pig is full and has plenty of water just before showing. A happy pig will last longer in the show ring.

52 The Exhibitor Should

53 Stay Calm Stay calm when you show. A judge can see when your frustrated. When you get worked up the pig gets worked up.

54 Show Intensity An excellent showman will have an intense look on their face. Focused and concentrated on the task.

55 Listen To The Judge Listen to the judge if they give you directions. Switch Pigs Pen Your Pig Turn Your Pig Answer A Question

56 Know The Questions Know enough about your project to answer any kind of questions. Nutrition Health Market Prices Ear Notches Cuts of Meat Weight Breeds

57 Shake the Hand of the Judge If you win, shake the hand of the judge. This is a polite gesture.

58 Avoid Shaking The Judges Hand Every Time You See Them. Some exhibitors feel the need to shake the judges hand every time they see them. This is distracting to the judge and judging. Avoid shaking the hand of the judge excessively.

59 Show Good Sportsmanship If you are first or last place, always practice good sportsmanship. Help out other exhibitors if they are having problems.

60 Avoid Constant Smiling The exhibitor doesn t need to smile at the judge. Smiling all the time is constant distractions. An intense face is more appealing for showmanship.

61 Showmanship Pointers

62 Proper Distance From The Judge Keep you and your pig the proper distance from the judge feet away. Do not get too close because the judge can t see your pig. If you are too far away, other pigs will be seen and not you. Judge

63 Proper Distance from the Judge This exhibitor is too close to the judge. The judge needs to see the pigs from a distance.

64 Proper Distance To Your Pig The exhibitor should stand near the ham loin junction or rump of the pig. The exhibitor should be able to reach the pigs head with their wipe, pipe or cane to turn them.

65 Proper Distance To Your Pig This exhibitor needs to be closer to their pig. The pig is showing itself instead of the showman driving the animal.

66 Show All Views Of Your Pig When entering the ring, show the judge all views of your pig. Drive toward and show the chest. Turn and show the side view. Walk away and show the rear view. Then turn and show the other side view.

67 Front View Drive the pig forward directly towards the judge. This allows the judge to see width of chest and the correctness of the front legs.

68 Keeping the Pigs Head Up Pigs look the best with their head up. Practice keeping your pigs head up. Tap and train your pig to keep its head up when walking. Do this by tapping under the chin.

69 Side View Show the judge your profile or side view of your pig. Usually the judge sees this view the most.

70 Showing Underlines The exhibitor should show both sides of the gilts underline. A judge may make a gesture to turn your pig and show the other side of the underline. Some judges will look at underline in the pens. Turn your pig in the pen and show both sides.

71 Rear View Show the pig s rear view of your pig. Most judges evaluate top shape, ham shape and width of base when viewing from behind.

72 Crossing Over Crossing over is when the exhibitor crosses over or blocks the view of the judge. Usually they walk between the judges view and the rear view of the pig. Crossing over occurs when the exhibitor enters the ring or is stuck along the fence and panics to get away. Exhibitor Judge

73 Basic Patterns Circle Pattern: Drive the pig in a circle around the judge. Keep the proper distance away. Keep driving the pig around the judge.

74 Basic Patterns Back and Forth Pattern: Drive the pig back and forth in front of the judge. Keep the proper distance away from the judge. This pattern shows the judge you can drive and turn your pig in any direction. Shows the judge different views of your pig. At least both sides of your pig.

75 Find the Open Spots A good exhibitor will find the open spots and drive their pig to this area. The open spots in the ring, allows the judge to see your pig better in congested classes.

76 Cutting Off the View of Competitors Showmen #1 and #2 are blocking the view of the exhibitors behind them. The Showman with the Arrow should drive in front of #1 and #2 in order to be seen Judge

77 Showmanship Basics

78 Eye Contact Eye contact is the key to showmanship. The judge can tell you to pen your pig at any point in time. The exhibitor should be ready to listen to the judge.

79 Don t Look To The Crowd If your pig is going in one direction and you are looking in another direction, the exhibitor is not focused on showmanship. Do not look to the crowd while showing.

80 Keep A Slow Pace Keep a slow pace. Slow pace for the pig to walk. Slow pace for you to walk. The two should look as one when walking. Keeping the same pace.

81 Be On The Correct Side You usually stand out when you are not on the right side of your animal. The Judge should always see your pig with you on the opposite side.

82 Drive the Pig From The Front Your pig will drive any direction and respond better when working the head or shoulder. Drive the pig from the front and not any place else.

83 Do Not Hit the Rump or Sides Hitting the rump, sides or hocks: Causes the pig to not level out its top. Makes the pig look more unsound. Is less appealing when the pig is in motion. Could bruise the ham according to some meat packers.

84 Marks on Sides The Judge can tell if your hitting your pig in the wrong locations. Example of pipe marks on the pigs flank and belly.

85 Hands Off The Pigs Back Keep your free hand off the pigs back or any place on the pig.

86 Don t Look Awkward Tall exhibitors may need to bend down a little in order to reach the pigs head. Look presentable, comfortable, and try not to have any odd or awkward presentations of yourself.

87 What To Do With Your Free Arm Your free arm and hand should look comfortable. Do not put your free hand behind your back. Look normal, relaxed and not in an odd position.

88 Video Record Your Showmanship Have a family member record your showmanship. Watch how you show, see your mistakes, See how you should stand and hold your free hand. Correct problems for the future.

89 Don t Use Your Knees Do not use your knees to turn your pig. Do not use your knees to make your pig move. Instead use your pipe, whip or cane to make your pig move.

90 Don t Let Your Pig Dig Keep Your Pig Moving! Don t give them enough time to dig. Keep Your Pig Moving!

91 Don t Let Your Pig Lie Down In the Show Ring Keep Your Pig Moving! Don t give them enough time to lie down in the show ring. Keep Your Pig Moving!

92 Turning Your Pig

93 Wrong Way To Turn A Pig Do not push your pig on the sides trying to make it turn or move. Keep your hands off of the pig.

94 Wrong Way to Turn Your Pig Do not try to turn your pig into you or your knee. Always turn your pig away from your body. The pig will respond better and faster.

95 Wrong Way To Turn Your Pig Do not walk in front of your pig and then turn them. Stay to the pigs side and drive them from their head the desired direction.

96 Proper Turn Drive your pig away from you and your body when turning. This gives the pig a better chance to see the open space.

97 When In The Pen

98 Down and Ready Position The exhibitor should be down and ready in the pen. Keep your pig to the front of the pen. Do not stand in the front of the pen or the back of the pen. Watch the judge and be ready at all times.

99 Profile Your Pig in the Pen Bend down and keep your pig to the front of the pen. Keep the pig s side or profile along the front of the gate. Keep your pig up on their feet.

100 Shutting Your Gate When leaving your pen make sure you shut your gate and latch it. If you do not latch your gate another pig might get in your empty pen.

101 Squealing Pigs Pigs that make noise do not do well in showmanship. Select pigs that do not get worked up. If squealing in the ring, hit the pig less to try to minimize stress and additional noise.

102 Advanced Pointers

103 Switching Hands Some judges like the exhibitor to switch hands depending on which side of the pig they are on. A good exhibitor will drive the pig any direction as quickly as possible. Showing with both the right and left hand.

104 Switching Pigs A judge may have you show some other exhibitors pig. The goal is to see how fast you adapt to a different pig. Stay calm and figure out quickly how to show the pig.

105 Switch the Stick with the Pig If asked to switch pigs with another exhibitor, you should also switch the stick, pipe, whip or cane with the other exhibitor. This allows the pig to continue to be shown with the same equipment.

106 Not Getting Stuck Against The Gate Some judges might walk near the exhibitor and try to keep them against the fence. When the exhibitor and pig is stuck against the fence, it limits your showing and opens the door for the exhibitor to make mistakes. (Crossing Over) The exhibitor and pig needs to move away from the fence. If the exhibitor is stuck along the fence. Stand there until the judge and pig moves some place else.

107 Keeping Away from the Out Gate Once pigs have been in the ring the first time, they quickly learn how to get out of the ring through the out gate. Drive your pig away from the out gate.

108 Scooping Pigs Out Of The Corner Some judges will allow you to use your free hand and scoop the pig out or away from the corners. Be quick and graceful if you do scoop your pig out of the corners. Scoop near the sensitive eye area of the pigs face. Some judges do not like you to scoop your pigs out of the corners or use your free hand.

109 Breaking Up Fights If your pig gets in a fight, do not get hurt. Let the ring men break up the fight. Keep your pig away from others.

110 Breaking Up Fights If pigs want to fight. 1st they will face off, face to face. 2nd usually walk beside each other face to face or side of the face to the other side of the face. You can break up a fight before it happens by directing the head of your pig another direction. Touch the pig near its eye will redirect them. Try to keep your legs out of the fight.

111 Common Showmanship Mistakes

112 Most Common Mistakes Using Your Knees. Hand on the Pigs Back. Not Controlling Your Animal. Missing the Questions. Not Enough Aggression or Too Much Aggression. Crossing Over In Front of the Judge.

113 Disclaimer This presentation is not designed to pick on any exhibitor or promoting any exhibitor. This presentation is designed for educational training. Visualizing mistakes and correct actions is the best training tools. Each judge has their own showmanship preferences. Be sure to know what your judge likes.

114 I hope my experience can help make you a better showman. If you utilize this presentation for its intended use, you should be successful at showing any kind of pig. In my opinion, the best way to learn is through visual examples. Continue to practice and never stop learning. Thank You, Ryan Harrell 1998 NJSS Reserve Senior Showman Swine Judge Since 1999